Steve Agnew remains the front-runner to become Middlesbrough's next head coach - and he will stake his claim for the job on Sunday when Boro host Manchester United.

It's a huge audition for the 51-year-old, who will step into the home dugout at a sell-out Riverside confident of masterminding a result that could resurrect Boro's season.

Earlier this week, chairman Steve Gibson put his faith in Agnew - saying he "could be a surprise No 1" and vowed to see what Aitor Karanka's former No 2 can offer in the hotseat.

"I've known Steve a long time," Gibson said in an interview with The Times . "He's a very good coach and a very good No.2.

"There's more to him than people know and a bit more steel. Steve could be a surprise No.1. That may disappoint those people who want glamour and somebody to come in ready-made, a sexy name, but that's now what we need at this point.

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Aitor Karanka leaves Boro

"I want to find out about Steve. My phone hasn't stopped. I've had agents offering me obscure individuals and I've had some surprises too; at the moment Steve is going to get all the support we can give him."

So what is the word in the national papers today? Who are the reported runners and riders to replace Karanka? We take a look:

Hiddink 'interested' - but Agnew in pole position

But that, naturally, will depend on results - and the same paper claim former Holland and Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink "is available and interested" in the job, should it arise.

Guus Hiddink

"Agnew certainly does not talk like someone who is merely keeping the seat warm until Gibson can find a more experienced manager during the international break," the report says.

"Having seen Craig Shakespeare thrive in similar circumstances at Leicester City, he is confident Gibson will not regret trusting him.

Nigel Pearson 'applies for Norwich job'

He immediately became the bookies' favourite to replace Karanka on Thursday, but it sounds like former Boro captain Nigel Pearson is keeping close tabs on the vacancy at Norwich City.

Pearson left Derby last October after less than five months at Pride Park, having taken charge of just 14 games - but has applied for the job at Carrow Road, according to the Press Association.

Nigel Pearson (Image: PA)

Norwich fired Alex Neil last week, and Pearson is expected to be interviewed by the Championship side - despite reports that his occasionally abrasive style is unlikely to be attractive to Norwich owner Delia Smith.

Smith has already ruled out a move for Alan Pardew as she does not feel he is the right fit for the club.